Lycopodium campanulatum
Family: Lycopodiaceae
What it is like
Lycopodium campanulatum is a FERN. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0
Where it is found
Moist coniferous woods, lowland to moderate elevations in mountains.
Western N. America.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant is hypnotic. Chewing three stems is said to induce mild intoxication whilst eight can cause unconsciousness.
Hypnotic: Induces sleep.
Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.
Other
Rating:
The spores are water repellent and can be used as a dusting powder to stop things sticking together. They are also used as a talcum powder and for dressing moulds in iron foundries. They can also be used as explosives in fireworks and for artificial lightning. The plant can be used as a mordant in dyeing.
Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.
Mordant: Used for making a dye more permanent, it also affects the colour of the dye.
How it is grown
Thrives in a rough spongy peat in a shady position. Requires a humid atmosphere. Terrestrial members of this genus are hard to establish. The roots are delicate and liable to rot, most water being absorbed through the foliage. There is some doubt as to the correct spelling of this species name. I have a feeling that it could be a mis-spelling of L. complanatum. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer. Although looking more like a moss, this genus is closely related to the ferns.
Propagating it: Spores - best sown as soon as they are ripe on the surface of a humus-rich sterilized soil. Keep the compost moist, preferably by putting a plastic bag over the pot. Pot on small clumps of plantlets as soon as they are large enough to handle and keep humid until they are well established. Do not plant outside until the ferns are at least 2 years old and then only in a very well sheltered position. The spores are generally produced in abundance but are difficult to grow successfully. Layering of growing tips.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;
Habit: Fern
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Although no records of toxicity have been seen for this species, a number of other members of this genus are said to be toxic and so some caution is advised.